Liverpool's Poor Performance, Jurgen Klopp Even Blames MU

Liverpool's match against Manchester United. (X/@LFC)

JAKARTA - Liverpool finally slipped and lost 1-0 against Crystal Palace. Liverpool experienced a decline just as it entered crucial weeks. Uniquely, manager Jurgen Klopp actually blamed Manchester United for the slump in the Reds. Lho?

Liverpool are on fire and also compete for the English Premier League title. Liverpool also took turns with Arsenal and Manchester City to the top of the standings.

Not only that, the Reds are still in the Europa League. They have a chance to win trebles because they have won the Carabao Cup.

Klopp pun bisa mengakhiri tugas di Liverpool dengan memenangkan tiga trofi dalam satu musim.

But that beautiful scenario was a mess when Liverpool fought in the FA Cup. In the quarter-finals, they met arch rivals MU in The North West Derby at Old Trafford. Liverpool himself also have the ambition to win the trophy.

Liverpool were able to dominate and take the lead first. They also fired 25 shots into the net. But Vrgil van Dijk et al fell 4-3.

Ironically, MU's winning goal was decided by Amad Diallo in injury time extra time or exactly 122 minutes.

The two teams met again in the league. Liverpool actually managed to get up by winning two matches against Brighton and Hove Albion and Sheffield United.

But again, MU became Liverpool's obstacle. Even the Red Devils, who had conceded through Luis Diaz's quick goal, were able to turn things around and lead 2-1

Luckily there was Mohamed Salah who saved Liverpool from defeat and forced a 2-2 draw.

It's just that the failure to beat eternal rivals has made Liverpool lose confidence. Evidently, they were massacred by Atalanta 3-0 in the first match of the Europa League quarter-finals. Ironic that the defeat actually took place at home at Anfield.

After that defeat, Liverpool fell again at home to Palace. The bad result made Liverpool drop to third. Having 71 points, equal to Arsenal, they are two points behind Man City.

What's wrong with Liverpool? Moreover, losing twice at home is clearly a disgrace for The Kop.

Klopp admits that Liverpool is facing a bit of a problem. But more than that, Klopp blamed MU for causing Liverpool's downturn. According to him, MU has a role to play in making Liverpool mentally so that they are no longer confident.

"There is a bit of a problem it seems. But I'm not 100 percent sure. The problem is how we deal with the situation after United's match," Klopp said.

In the last two derbys, MU became an obstacle for Liverpool. Because Liverpool played well and were able to dominate, but they picked up disappointing results.

"I mean, the defeat in the FA Cup was like an anticlimactic. We were in top condition but lost in that way. In the next game in the league, we drew. We played very well again but in the end we drew," he said.

"Problems during the match against United are certainly different from other matches. But it is true that we conceded too easily. In general, this is true," said the former Borussia Dortmund coach.

Liverpool have not lost their chance in the race for the league title. With the last six games, they can still compete with Man City and Arsenal.